The Calabarzon Heroes of Region IV-A are the new champions of secondary boys' basketball in the 2026 Palarong Pambansa, after a 79-62 win over dethroned champions Davao Eagles on Saturday.
Long lines formed outside the venue by 4:00 a.m., and they were treated to a quick start by Davao who ran out to a 12-0 advantage. The defending champions were still ahead, 18-12, after the opening period.
But Calabarzon found its rhythm in the second half before eventually taking control of the ball game and then pulling away.
Aside from the Davao team -- which featured last year's MVP and Agusan del Sur native Rene Clert Baterbonia -- the Calabarzon players also had to overcome the partisan crowd at the EOC Gymnasium, as fans cheered on their neighbors from the Davao region.
"Tahimik lang kaming nagpe-prepare. Deserve ng mga batang to ang panalong to. Alam namin yung capabilities namin kahit maraming hindi nakakakilala sa amin," said coach Jasper Philip Magno of his team, which was represented by student-athletes from St. John’s Wort Integrated School in Antipolo, Rizal.
The crowd also cheered for Calabarzon player Dairick Duterte, whose surname drew attention from spectators throughout the game.
"Sobrang napakasaya po dahil hindi po ako taga-dito. Sinisigaw po yung apelyido ko at nagpapasalamat po ako kay God," said Duterte.
Ali Mamuag admitted the team felt immense pressure entering the championship game against the defending champions, especially as underdogs.
"Nag-recover lang kami sa pag-communicate with my teammates. Nagtulong-tulong kami paano kami makakabalik sa ginawa ng DAVRAA sa amin," he explained.
